How Do You Calculate the Determinant of This Complex Matrix?

Click For Summary
To calculate the determinant of the complex matrix presented, it's essential to understand that the last row indeed represents the sequence -1, -2, -3, ..., 0. The fundamental property of determinants allows for the addition of multiples of one row to another without altering the determinant's value. The discussion includes examples of smaller matrices to illustrate the calculation process. The thread emphasizes the importance of practicing with simpler determinants to build understanding before tackling the larger matrix. Overall, clarity on matrix structure and determinant properties is crucial for solving the problem.
Helloes
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I have to find a determinant for
1 2 3 ... n
-1 0 3 ... n
-1 -2 0 ... n
...
-1 -2 -3 ... 0
but I have very little clue how to proceed, because the mathematics material that I was given is very vague about this. Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
Does -1 -2 -3 ... 0 represent the final row of the matrix meaning the the lowest right member is 0?
 
Welcome to PF, Helloes! :smile:

The main rule about calculating determinants, is that you can add a multiple of a row to another row, without changing the determinant.
Same thing for columns: you can add (or subtract) a multiple of one column to another column.

Now let's try a couple of determinants.

What is |1|?

What is \begin{vmatrix}1&2\\-1&0\end{vmatrix}?

What is \begin{vmatrix}1&2&3\\-1&0&3\\-1&-2&0\end{vmatrix}?

What is \begin{vmatrix}1&2&3&4\\-1&0&3&4\\-1&-2&0&4\\-1&-2&-3&0\end{vmatrix}?
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K